EFFECT OF ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CRISES ON THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN KADUNA IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES

Abstract

Ethno-religious crises have ravaged Southern Kaduna since 1987. While many have written on the crises that took place between 1980 and 2010, not much is known about the effects of the persistent crises in the recent past. Thus, the study aims at unravelling the contemporary effects of the ethno-religious crises on the people in the study area. The study uses the qualitative method of research, particularly historical method, which includes the use of oral interviews. The findings reveal that crises are threat to human security. Crises are often characterised by intense violence which result to injuries, large scale displacement of its victims, destruction of lives and property of individuals and corporate organisations. Running through the reasons behind these incessant fracases, one finds ethno-religious consciousness, religious intolerance, over concentration of governance, corruption, exploitative tendencies of some government officials, perceived injustice, scarcity of natural resources, poor leadership, choice of violence as solutions, climatic changes, moral banditry, poor response to early warning signals, greed and grievance. The study also finds that these recurring ethno-religious crises in the area have affected the economic progress and peaceful coexistence of the people. The paper recommends ways the crises can be curbed in order to pave way for peace and sustainable development.